System and method for providing a television network customized for an end user

ABSTRACT

A hybrid audio and video system and method of providing a television network customized for an end user at an end user location are provided. A video signal feed includes visual content. An audio signal feed includes audio content. A third signal feed includes promotional content about the end user. Specific visual content, audio content, and promotional content are electronically selected. The visual content, audio content, and promotional content are electronically combined in response to the selections to create an output feed. The selected visual content, audio content, and promotional content of the output feed through the television network at the end user location.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application is a continuation of Ser. No. 14/837,431, filedAug. 27, 2015, which is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No.14/604,424, filed on Jan. 23, 2015, the entire contents of which areincorporated by reference herein. The present application is acontinuation-in-part of U.S. application Ser. No. 13/416,390, filed Mar.9, 2012, which is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No.12/564,785, filed Sep. 22, 2009, which is now U.S. Pat. No. 8,151,315,which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. application Ser. No. 11/275,960,filed Feb. 7, 2006, which claims priority to U.S. ProvisionalApplication Ser. No. 60/650,674, filed Feb. 7, 2005, each of which arehereby incorporated by reference. The present application is further acontinuation-in-part of U.S. application Ser. No. 13/677,100, filed Nov.14, 2012, which claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No.61/559,436, filed Nov. 14, 2011, and U.S. Provisional Application Ser.No. 61/543,702, filed Oct. 5, 2011, each of which are herebyincorporated by reference. The present application further retainspriority to U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 61/931,323, filed Jan.24, 2014, which is hereby incorporated by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a hybrid audio/visual televisionnetwork that is uniquely customized for an end user.

BACKGROUND

Typically, programming offered by a traditional television networkcompany is directed to various programming interspaced withadvertisements purchased by companies and intended to reach broadgeographical markets. These systems have very limited ability tocustomize programming and advertising specific to an end user entity,such as a hospital, restaurant, a doctor's office, an auto dealer, andthe like. It has been neither practical, readily available, nor costeffective to provide specific programming and information embedded inthe network programming directed to a specific end user.

Video sharing services on the Internet, such as YOUTUBE ®, and the likenonetheless suffer from these same deficiencies. Such videos arepresented to the Internet market as a whole and the video/audio contentin such videos is not customized for the end viewer.

Hybrid audio and video systems provide an alternative to typicaltelevision programming and video sharing service programming. Suchsystems offer a mix of audio broadcasting with video content. However,there is currently no effective low cost solution for offeringcustomized end user branded programming with directed advertising andinformation specific to the end user entity.

Moreover, there are dozens of end user entities that are involved in orproduce stress for their visitors, e.g., doctors, dentists, banks,attorneys, police stations, fire stations, military bases, prisons,correctional facilities, and the like. Yet, research has shown thatpeople in relaxed states have a 15-20% higher perceived monetary valueof a product or service and exhibit better long-term visualmemorization. There are no hybrid audio and video systems in the priorart that exploit this research.

U.S. Patent Application Publication No. U.S. 2009/0044217 discloses theinsertion of replacement commercials in an otherwise unmodifiedtelevision program. In other words, the system allows insertion ofcustomized commercial spots in lieu of the original spots. However, thesystem of U.S. 2009/0044217 is not a hybrid audio and video system andis confined to the realm of traditional television broadcasting. Thesystem of U.S. 2009/0044217 utilizes satellites, uplink and down linksatellite antennas, ground based head ends, cue tones and digitalprogram insert nodes. These systems are conventionally very high cost,both in initial capital and operating cost. Moreover, the system of U.S.2009/0044217 fails to provide customization of long form content toproduce a branded network specific to the end user entity. Additionally,the system of U.S. 2009/0044217 is not configured to provide continuouscontent that is designed to cause viewers to be in a relaxed state ofmind.

SUMMARY AND ADVANTAGES

A hybrid audio and video system for providing a television networkcustomized for an end user at an end user location is provided. A videosignal feed includes visual content. An audio signal feed includes audiocontent. A third signal feed includes promotional content about the enduser. A control node is configured to access the feeds and receiveelectronic selections of specific visual content, audio content, andpromotional content. The control node electronically combines theselected visual content, audio content, and promotional content inresponse to the selections to generate an output feed for presenting theselected visual content, audio content, and promotional content throughthe television network with an audiovisual display at the end userlocation.

A method of providing a television network customized for an end user atan end user location is also provided. A video signal feed includingvisual content is provided. An audio signal feed including audio contentis provided. A third signal feed including promotional content about theend user is provided. Specific visual content, audio content, andpromotional content are electronically selected. The visual content,audio content, and promotional content are electronically combined inresponse to the selections to create an output feed. The selected visualcontent, audio content, and promotional content of the output feed arepresented through the television network at the end user location.

The system and method provide a customizable branded network for the enduser. By providing the third signal feed with promotional content aboutthe end user, the system and method further advance hybrid audio andvideo systems. More specifically, the system and method allowcustomization of direct programming to include end user content specificto the entity using the system. The system and method provide a low costsolution for integrating custom content into programming and a low costalternative to costly programming packages and systems currentlyavailable. The end user has complete control to customize the audio,video, and promotional content. Through these features, the system andmethod increase branding for the end user and increase perception byviewers at the end user location. The private custom branded televisionnetwork offers an affordable, effective and flexible television-basedcommunication network that can be uniquely tailored to the needs anddesires of the end user, regardless of the size of the end user entity.

Other objects and features of the present invention will become apparentwhen viewed in light of the detailed description of the preferredembodiments when taken in conjunction with the attached drawings andappended claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present invention will become more fully understood from thedetailed description and the accompanying drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 is a system diagram of the hybrid audio and video systemaccording to one embodiment.

FIG. 2 is a sample screenshot of an audiovisual display presentingaudiovisual content customized by the hybrid audio and video system andmethod according to one example.

FIG. 3 is a system diagram of the hybrid audio and video and feedscontrolled and customized by the same, according to one embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In the following figures, wherein like reference numerals are used toidentify identical components in the various views and embodiments, ahybrid audio and video system is illustrated at 500 in FIG. 1 and amethod of utilizing the system 500 is described throughout. The hybridaudio and video system 500 and method are for customizing audiovisualcontent at an end user location. The hybrid audio and video system 500and method providing a television network customized for an end user atan end user location.

The end user is any entity, business, corporation, organization,community, good/service provider, individual enterprise, televisionnetwork, governmental agency, place of worship, and the like. The enduser location 530 is affiliated with the end user according to anysuitable manner. For example, the end user location 530 may be owned,operated, or occupied by the end user, and the like. Examples of the enduser location 530 include, but are not limited to, a hospital, arestaurant, an office, a dealership, a library, a hotel, a spa or healthclub, a transportation location or vehicle, and the like. The system 500and method may be utilized with any suitable size end user entity. Suchentities may have any tens, hundreds, or thousands of employees,patrons, and/or viewers. The end user location may be stationary ormobile. Those skilled in the art appreciate that the end users andassociated locations listed herein are provided as examples and that thescope of the invention includes end users and locations other than thoselisted herein.

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 3, the system 500 includes a control node 510. Acontrol device 531, in communication with the control node 510, islocated the end user location 530. Communication between the controldevice 531 and the control node 510 may be Internet based and accessedthrough the Internet, as described below. In some embodiments, thecontrol node 510 is cloud based. The control node 510 may be located atthe central location 513, as shown in FIG. 1. Alternatively, the controlnode 510 may be located at end user location 530. In yet anotherembodiment, the control node 510 may be located partially at the centrallocation 513 and partially at the end user location 530. Furthermore,the control node 510 may be controlled via the Internet, centrallocation 513, end user location 530, and any combination thereof.

At the end user location 530, the control device 531 is in communicationwith an audiovisual display 533. In one example, the audiovisual display533 is a television monitor that includes, or is attached to, an audiosystem. In another embodiment, the audiovisual display 533 is a computersystem. In yet another embodiment, the audiovisual display 533 is aportable electronic device, such as a smart phone, tablet, laptop, andthe like. Those skilled in the art appreciate that audiovisual display533 may have other configurations not described herein without departingfrom the scope of the invention.

The system 500 is designed to provide a customizable media platform thatis a branded network (hereinafter “Private Television Network” or “PTN”)for the end user entity. Generally, viewers, consumers, patrons, oremployees at the end user location 530 experience the PTN through theaudiovisual display 533 at the end user location 530.

The control node 510 includes digital media storage and softwareconfigured for production and play out functions. In FIG. 1, the controlnode 510 includes a master control workstation 515 or central mediastudio. The master control workstation 515 controls the PTN. Forexample, the master workstation 515 may create the playlist for the PTNand customize content for the PTN, as described below. A central mediaplatform originator may create and the deliver customized media throughthe control node 510. The control node 510 includes a production archivemain server 511 and a production archive back-up server 512. The servers511, 512 and the master control workstation 515 are each connected to arouter 514. The router 514 is connected to the Internet, and morespecifically, an Internet-based cloud 520. A firewall 516 a is providedbetween the Internet 520 and router 514 for protecting the control node510. The PTN is Internet connected and controlled.

Content delivery network (“CDN”) servers 521 transfer hybrid audiovisualcontent data through the cloud 520. The CDN servers 521 connect tocontrol devices 531 at end user locations 530, 540. In one embodiment,locations 530, 540 relate to the same end user. In another embodiment,locations 530, 540 relate to different end users. In FIG. 1, forexample, location 530 is a smaller facility and location 540 is a largerfacility. Firewalls 516 b, 516 c are provided respectively between theCDN servers 521 and the control devices 531 at each end user locations530, 540.

The PTN incorporates the master control workstation 515 for producinghybrid digital audio and video content. The hybrid audiovisual contentis long form content that is preferably in the form of non-stopbroadcasting of media content. The system 500 distributes the hybridaudiovisual content to the end user location 530. The PTN incorporatesthe central media studio that produces digital audio and video content.One embodiment of such a platform is the eScapes network which providesnon-stop hybrid audiovisual content based on the hybrid television audiosystem/therapeutic benefit television system described in U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 11/275,960, which is now U.S. Pat. No. 8,151,315,the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in itsentirety to the extent it does not conflict with the general scope ofthe present invention.

As shown in FIG. 3, the hybrid audiovisual content includes content fromthree separate feeds or electronic sources 527, 529, 535. Thus, hybridaudiovisual content is unlike traditional television broadcastingprogramming which provides content that is pre-produced with audio andvisual elements, and hence, not customizable. The control node 510 isconfigured to access these feeds 527, 529, 535.

As shown in FIG. 3, the hybrid audiovisual content comprises contentfrom a video signal feed 527, which is a first electronic feed. Thevideo signal feed 527 conveys visual content 528, as shown in FIG. 2.More specifically, the visual content 528 is therapeutic and designed toprovide a relaxing experience for persons presented with the visualcontent 528 at the end user location 530. The visual content is digital,electronic based content. In one example, as shown in FIG. 2, the visualcontent 528 is a natural landscape. The visual content 528 may be stillimages or video. In one embodiment, the video feed 527 is anelectronically accessible library comprising various visual content 528content. Such visual content 528 provides aesthetically appealingqualities with an additional emphasis on scenes that produce arelaxation or calming effect on the human psyche. Examples of suchvisual content 528 may include, but are not limited to, environmentalscenes, natural wonders, artistic scenes, holiday scenes, marine scenes,city skylines, wildlife content, majestic landscape or seascapes, andthe like. The visual content 528 may be live or prerecorded. The visualcontent 528 may be viewed in real time, or at the time of day or nightwhen it was prerecorded. The visual content 528 may be modified based ondifferent levels of customization. In one embodiment, the visual content528 is generic to all subscribers. In another embodiment, the visualcontent 528 includes content that is specific to the end user. Forexample, the visual content 528 may include content relating to propertyaffiliated with the end user, and the like. The visual content 528 maybe derived from any suitable source for providing visual content, suchas studios, computer databases, and Internet sources. Those skilled inthe art appreciate that the visual content 528 may have otherconfigurations not described herein without departing from the scope ofthe invention.

The hybrid audiovisual content comprises content from an audio signalfeed 529, which is a second electronic feed, as shown in FIG. 3. Theaudio signal feed 529 conveys audio content, and more specifically,audio content to complement the visual content 528. The audio content isdigital, electronic based audio content. The audio content istherapeutic audio for providing a relaxing experience for personspresented with the audio at the end user location 530. In oneembodiment, the audio feed 529 is an electronically accessible libraryof audio content. Such audio content can be selected to promoterelaxation/therapeutic effects. Examples of such audio content include,but are not limited to surf, running water, rain, bird songs,appropriate music genres, and the like. Such music genres may be slowtempo, mostly instrumental music genres that are intended to produce arelaxation state in the viewer/listener. Other sounds such as lighthousefoghorns, ship whistles, weather sounds of wind, thunder can add to therealism and authenticity of the video presentation. In many instances,the visual content 528 is of a subject and the audio content isenvironmental sound relating to the subject. For example, if the visualcontent 528 is of an ocean, the corresponding audio content is theenvironmental sound of the ocean. The audio content may be modifiedbased on different levels of customization. In one embodiment, the audiocontent is a generic to all end users. In another embodiment, the audiocontent contains content that is specific to the end user. For example,the audio content may contain announcements, advertisements, or commentsabout the end user. The audio content may be live or prerecorded. Theaudio content may be derived from any suitable source for providingaudio content, such as studios, computer databases, and Internetsources. Those skilled in the art appreciate that the audio content mayhave other configurations not described herein without departing fromthe scope of the invention.

The hybrid audiovisual content further comprises promotional content 534from a third signal feed 535, which is a third electronic feed, as shownin FIG. 3. The third signal feed 535 conveys promotional content 534about the end user. The promotional content is digital, electronic basedcontent. Examples of the promotional content 534 are shown in FIG. 2.Promotional content about the end user includes at least one of visualand audiovisual content. In other words, the promotional content aboutthe end user may be purely visual content or audiovisual content. Thethird signal feed 535 may be an electronically accessible librarycomprising promotional content templates that can be customized. In oneembodiment, promotional content 534 includes commercial advertisementand/or branding content relating to the end user. The promotionalcontent 534 may take various configurations, including but not limitedto branding information, commercials, a company trademark, external orinternal advertisements, continuous RSS (“Real Simple Syndication”) orXML feed text, social media information, text messages, crawlinginformation ribbons, static images or dynamic video, business hours ofoperation, announcements, and the like. As shown in FIG. 2, thepromotional content 534 may include live text strings. The strings maybe placed on various different lines, e.g., lines 1 and lines 2.

In an example wherein the end user is a hospital, the promotionalcontent 534 may be general hospital messages, public serviceannouncement, self-help messages, spiritual/comforting message, and thelike. In this same example, promotional content 534 may alternatively becommercial advertisements for external related companies, such asmedical service companies, pharmaceutical companies, insurancecompanies, etc. Those skilled in the art appreciate that the list ofpromotional content 534 described herein are examples and that theinvention may utilize other promotional content 534 not describedherein. The promotional content 534 may be live or prerecorded. Thepromotional content 534 may be derived from any suitable source forproviding promotional content, such as studios, computer databases, andInternet sources. Those skilled in the art appreciate that thepromotional content may have other configurations not described hereinwithout departing from the scope of the invention.

The promotional content 534 may be modified based on different levels ofcustomization. The promotional content 534 is specific to the end user.However, certain add-ons or additional promotional features may beavailable depending on end user subscriptions. For example, one level ofcustomization for the promotional content 534 may allow only text feedswhile a higher level of customization may allow promotional graphics,and the like.

The feeds 527, 529, 535 are separate and distinct feeds which originatefrom separate sources. The control node 510 is configured to access thefeeds 527, 529, 535 on demand. By doing so, the control node 510 is ableto selectively choose content from any given feed 527, 529, 535.

The control node 510 is further configured to receive electronicselections of specific visual content 528, audio content, andpromotional content 534. In one embodiment, the control node 510 isconnected to the Internet 520 and the electronic selections are receivedthrough the Internet 520. The electronic selections may be made by theend user. For example, the end user may log on through an Internet-basedaccount to make selections. The end user may take partial or fullcontrol of the control device 531 at the end user location 530. To doso, the end user utilizes any suitable device connected to the Internet520. For instance if the end user desires to display a greeting to acustomer/viewer at its facility 530 the end user may log on with a username and password to manage control device 531 and customize and selectcontent from the feeds 527, 529, 535, and other features. In anotherembodiment, electronic selections occur automatically according topredetermined rules, programs, and the like.

The control node 510 combines, mixes, and customizes the feeds 527, 529,535 to produce customized content for the PTN at the end user location530. The control node 510 is configured to control the video signal feed527, audio signal feed 529, and third signal feed 535. For example, thecontrol node 510 may edit, mix, combine, or modify the feeds 527, 529,535 in any suitable manner to produce the hybrid audiovisual content.The control node 510 electronically combines the selected visual content528, audio content, and promotional content 534 in response to theselections. The control node 510 may combine, mix, or customizes thefeeds 527, 529, 535 according to any suitable configuration and in anysuitable order.

After doing so, the control node 510 generates an output feed 560. Thecontrol node 510 is configured to communicate the output feed 560, orany variation thereof, to the control device 531 at the end userlocation 530. The control device 531 receives the output feed 560. Theaudiovisual display 533 located at the end user location 530electronically presents the selected visual content 528, audio content,and promotional content 534, thereby providing the customized PTN.

The control node 510 may produce a plurality of output feeds 560A-560N,as shown in FIG. 3. When multiple displays 533A-533N are utilized, asshown in FIG. 3, each display 533A-533N may provide content fromseparate output feeds 560A-560N.

In some instances, the third signal feed 535 may be integrated orcombined wholly or partially with audio feed 529 and or the video feed527. Additionally, the visual content 528 and the promotional content534 may be combined during playback. For example, as shown in FIG. 2,the promotional content 534 of the company name is played atop thevisual content 528 to create a branding effect for the company. Tosupplement this configuration, the company name is further providedcontinuously in a branding bar located above the visual content 528. Thebranding bar reiterates to viewers that the PTN is specificallycustomized for the company.

Informative content may be combined with the visual content 528 orpromotional content 534 to supplement the PTN programming. Suchinformative content can be integrated as additional feature/enhancementto the PTN. Such information includes, but is not limited to, time, day,date, and weather information, as shown in FIG. 2. For example, theweather information is provided as an external feed and may be anyRSS/XML media feed, as described.

Such information may be considered part of, or integrated with thevisual content 528. However, such information generally is notpromotional content 534 as such information is not promotional innature.

The hybrid audiovisual content comprises the majority of the PTN'sprogramming schedule. The hybrid audiovisual content allows for theeconomical creation of thousands of hours of high functioning, hightesting programming, thus making very limited distribution platformsaffordable.

The control device 531 includes a high definition media player (HDMP).The HDMP is configured to receive, store and locally play out of theaudiovisual content from the output feed 560. A media storage device 532is locally connected to and associated with the control device 531. Themedia storage device 532 is any suitable media storage device. The mediastorage device 532 may be internal to or external to the control device531. The media storage device 532 may also be connected to an externalhard drive.

The media storage device 532 stores the hybrid audiovisual content. Themedia storage device 532 may store at least one, or each, of the visual,audio, or promotional content 534. In one embodiment, the media storagedevice 532 contains hundreds of hours of hybrid audiovisual content. Thecontent on the storage device 532 may be refreshed at predeterminedfrequencies. The media storage device 532 may be utilized to supplementthe control device 531, which may have an internal storage capability ofonly a few hours. Digital files that contain the branding content andlocal advertising (if any) may be stored locally in the control device531. Through this configuration, the system 500 and method enable hybridaudiovisual content to play continuously for extended periods, such asdays, weeks, or even months. Thus, the system 500 and method eliminaterepetitive and continuous looping of content, which is an impediment anddrawback to long term viewing of such content.

The control node 510 controls the hybrid audiovisual content remotely.For example, the media storage device 532 may be preloaded with aninitial playlist of hybrid audiovisual and other suitable content alongwith the end user's advertisement and branding content. Withconnectivity through the Internet cloud, additional and new hybridaudiovisual content plus new branding and advertising messages can bedownloaded to the control device 531 and media storage device 532 fromthe control node 510. The Internet connection allows a master controlworkstation 515 in the control node 510 to control hybrid audiovisualcontent, update new hybrid audiovisual content and/or create new playlists as often as required. Thus, the PTN can be controlled from anylocation having Internet access. Of course, in other embodiments, thePTN may be controlled additionally or alternatively from the controlnode 510 locally at the central location 513 or end user location 530,as described above.

In the case of a large facility 540, as shown in FIG. 1, one controldevice 531 can output the customized hybrid audiovisual content tomultiple audiovisual displays 533B-533G through signal splitters 541 andinternal distribution networks 542. The control device 531 can besupplied in a wireless design, thereby making installation of theInternet connection less intrusive. Each display 533B-533G may belocated in a separate area or room at the end user facility 530.

As shown in FIG. 1, the PTN may provide hybrid audiovisual content toterrestrial broadcasters 550 and to cable television distributionsystems. Using the terrestrial broadcast as an example, the output fromthe control device 531 is fed to a signal converter 551, which convertsthe signal. The signal converter 551 outputs another signal to broadcastequipment 552. The broadcast equipment outputs a signal to antenna 553for transmission. In the case of cable distribution, the control device531 signal is played out through the cable medium. If the PTN is widelyspaced geographically, then other control devices 531 may be employed ineach end user location 530.

The control devices 531 can be time synchronized such that each of thedisplays 533 electronically present the same hybrid audiovisual contentat the same time. Alternatively, each control devices 531 can beindependently controlled such that displays 533 present different hybridaudiovisual content from one another. The control devices 531 can alsobe controlled so that different viewers in different time zones oractivity schedules see programming appropriate to the time zone they arelocated in or to the activity that is appropriate to their facility.

Each control device 531 can have hybrid audiovisual customized for theend user. As an example, suppose the end user entity is a health careprovider having 8 hospitals, 25 clinics and 400 individual doctoroffices at various geographical locations. The control devices 531 atthe various locations can have hybrid audiovisual content that is commonto all. Additionally or alternatively, each control device 531 can havehybrid audiovisual content that is specific to the respective location.For example, the control devices 531 may contain content common to theentire PTN, but could further have promotional content 534 unique to thehospital. Meanwhile, a doctor's office on the same PTN may have commoncontent, but may further have the doctor's office hours or some contentpersonalized for the particular end user doctor.

In yet another embodiment, control node 510 is configured to control thevideo signal feed 527, audio signal feed 529 and third signal feed 535,and customize the visual content 528, therapeutic audio content, andpromotional content 534 in response to a pre-determined program orpredetermined rules.

As shown in FIG. 2, the control device 531, and more specifically, theHDMP is configured to define a first zone 600 for displaying the visualcontent 528 on the display 533 and a second zone 610 for simultaneouslydisplaying the promotional content 534 on the display 533. The first andsecond zones 600, 610 may be adjacent to one another and of variouscustomizable shapes and sizes. By doing so, the control device 531increases the amount of unique information and branding to each locationof the PTN. In one embodiment, the first zone 600 is a primary zoneoccupying the majority of the visual display and the second zone 610occupies a minority of the visual display. The primary zone 610 displaysthe therapeutic visual content 528.

The secondary zone 610 displays the promotional information. In thesecond zone 610, timely sale or public service information can bedisplayed. The zones 600, 610 can change shape or location and contentwithin. The zones 600, 610 can be customized based on the electronicselections. The zones 600, 610 create a relaxing atmosphere where it isvery natural for the viewer's eye to leave the first zone 600 and watcha series of graphic messages in the second zone 610. The zones 600, 610further make branding advertising more effective. The system 500 andmethod may employ any suitable number of zones.

In some instances, two or more control devices 531 are connected to onedisplay 533, as shown in FIG. 3. For example, as shown in FIG. 3,control devices 531A1 and 531A2 are connected to display 533A. Theviewer may select different inputs (e.g., HDMI 1, HDMI 2, HDMI 3) on thedisplay 533A that are connected to different control devices 531A₁,531A₂. In this manner different output feeds 560A₁, 560A₂ cansimultaneously be provided to the same display 533A.

The end user can customize time schedules for the various hybridaudiovisual content. The time schedule format can be any suitable timeinterval that the end user desires. For instance, content episodes couldbe three minutes, eight minutes, half hour, or one hour. As an example,content may be based on a one-hour program divided into four equalsegments. Each segment is 15 minutes long and may contain 13 minutes and50 seconds of programming content (an individual episode), two 30-secondcommercials, one 3-second and one 7-second network identification spot.However, it is to be appreciated that other time intervals may beutilized without deviating from the scope of the present invention.

The PTN can be set-up in advance for end users that fall into certaincategories. Examples of these categories include, but are not limitedto, beauty salons, country clubs, marinas, restaurants, retailautomotive part suppliers, businesses, schools, government entities,religious entities, and a multitude of other numerous but widelygeographically located organizations. For example, if the category is acountry club, the promotional content 534 can be pre-loaded with golfingrelated products or services. Additional long form content such asgolfing instruction videos or golfing news stories can be inserted fromtime to time.

Additionally, the system 500 and method may be utilized in conjunctionwith existing platforms utilized by the end user. For example, if anexisting corporate platform has limited amounts of business-relatedcontent, the system 500 and method can be employed to provide thecustomized hybrid audiovisual content as filler content when there is nocorporate content to be aired. Other television networks could alsoincorporate custom-branded hybrid audiovisual content under their ownname and logo to provide filler content as scheduling requirementsdemand or as a full time service in a digital broadcast sub channel.

The system 500 and method provide a unique platform as both hybridaudiovisual video and audio components are customized for the specifiedend user. The system 500 and method provide a conducive but notdistracting experiential platform for effective branding andadvertising. The system 500 and method create a stress-free environmentfor patrons of the end user facility by offering therapeutic programmingthat captures attention of viewers. As such, the system 500 and methodenable viewers of the therapeutic audio and video content to be in amore relaxed, less stressful, state of mind. In turn, viewers willexhibit a higher perceived monetary value of a product or service andexhibit better long-term visual memorization. Through this therapeuticand relaxing programming, the system 500 and method enhance messageretention. Accordingly, the system and method help to brand the end userand generate revenue.

Additionally, the system 500 and method use the hybrid audiovisualentertainment component to entice the attention of viewers so that whenthe advertisement or branding message plays after the entertainmentcontent ends, the viewer experiences a television format that isfamiliar, acceptable and effective. The PTN can be a source ofinformation and entertainment content to the end viewers and a source ofadvertising revenue and other forms of sales revenue to the entityitself. The system 500 and method do not merely add advertising contentto the programming. Instead, the system 500 and method allow creation ofcustom branding of content to create a television network andprogramming that carries the brand of the customer within the programcontent.

Advantages of the invention are apparent from the detailedspecification, and thus, it is intended by the appended claims to coverall such features and advantages of the invention, which fall within thetrue spirit, and scope of the invention. Further, since numerousmodifications and variations will readily occur to those skilled in theart, it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact constructionand operation illustrated and described, and accordingly, all suitablemodifications and equivalents may be resorted to, falling within thescope of the invention.

What is claimed is:
 1. A hybrid audio and video system for providing atelevision network customized for an end user at an end user location,comprising: a video signal feed including visual content; an audiosignal feed including audio content; a third signal feed includingpromotional content about the end user; and a control node configured toaccess the feeds and receive electronic selections of specific visualcontent, audio content, and promotional content and electronicallycombine the selected visual content, audio content, and promotionalcontent in response to the selections to generate an output feed forpresenting the selected visual content, audio, and promotional contentthrough the television network with an audiovisual display at the enduser location.
 2. The hybrid audio and video system of claim 1 whereinthe control node is connected to the Internet and the electronicselections are received through the Internet.
 3. The hybrid audio andvideo system of claim 1 wherein the control node is located at a centrallocation that is remote from the end user location.
 4. The hybrid audioand video system of claim 1 further including a control device locatedat the end user location and configured to receive the output feed fromthe control node.
 5. The hybrid audio and video system of claim 4wherein the control device includes a high definition media player(HDMP) for playing the output feed.
 6. The hybrid audio and video systemof claim 4 wherein the control device is configured to define a firstzone for displaying the visual content on the display and a second zonefor simultaneously and separately displaying the promotional content onthe display.
 7. The hybrid audio and video system of claim 4 wherein amedia storage device is locally connected to the control device forstoring the visual content, audio content, and promotional content. 8.The hybrid audio and video system of claim 7 wherein the control node isconfigured to remotely update at least one of the visual content, audiocontent, and promotional content on the media storage device.
 9. Thehybrid audio and video system of claim 1 wherein the control node isconfigured to automatically customize the visual content, audio content,and promotional content according to predetermined rules.
 10. The hybridaudio and video system of claim 1 wherein the visual content is of asubject and the audio content is environmental sound relating to thesubject.
 11. The hybrid audio and video system of claim 1 wherein thepromotional content includes at least one of visual and audiovisualcontent.
 12. The hybrid audio and video system of claim 1 wherein thevideo signal feed includes therapeutic visual content for creating arelaxing experience for persons presented with the visual content at theend user location.
 13. The hybrid audio and video system of claim 1wherein the audio signal feed includes therapeutic audio content forcreating a relaxing experience for persons presented with the audiocontent at the end user location.
 14. A method of providing a televisionnetwork customized for an end user at an end user location, the methodcomprising: providing a video signal feed including visual content;providing an audio signal feed including audio content; providing athird signal feed including promotional content about the end user;electronically selecting specific visual content, audio content, andpromotional content; electronically combining the visual content, audiocontent, and promotional content in response to the selections to createan output feed; and presenting the selected visual content, audiocontent, and promotional content of the output feed through thetelevision network at the end user location.
 15. The method of claim 14wherein electronically selecting occurs by the end user.
 16. The methodof claim 14 wherein electronically selecting occurs automaticallyaccording to predetermined rules.
 16. The method of claim 14 furtherincluding accessing the Internet to make electronic selections.
 17. Themethod of claim 14 wherein presenting includes defining a first zone fordisplaying the visual content on the display and a second zone forsimultaneously and separately displaying the promotional content on thedisplay.
 18. A hybrid audio and video system for providing a televisionnetwork customized for an end user at an end user location, comprising:a first electronic source providing visual content for creating arelaxing experience for persons presented with the visual content at theend user location; a second electronic source providing audio contentfor creating a relaxing experience for persons presented with the audiocontent at the end user location; a third electronic source providingpromotional content about the end user; a control node configured toaccess the electronic sources and receive electronic selections ofspecific visual content, audio content, and promotional content andcombine the selected visual content, audio content, and promotionalcontent in response to the selections to generate an output feed; acontrol device located at the end user location for receiving the outputfeed from the control node; and an audiovisual display located at theend user location and in communication with the control device forpresenting the selected visual content, audio content, and promotionalcontent through the television network.
 19. A method of providing atelevision network customized for an end user at an end user location,the method comprising: providing a first electronic source includingvisual content for creating a relaxing experience for persons presentedwith the visual content at the end user location; providing a secondelectronic source including audio content for creating a relaxingexperience for persons presented with the audio content at the end userlocation; providing a third electronic source including promotionalcontent about the end user; electronically selecting specific visualcontent, audio content, and promotional content; electronicallycombining the visual content, audio content, and promotional content inresponse to the selections to create an output feed; and presenting theselected visual content, audio content, and promotional content of theoutput feed through the television network at the end user location.